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DATCP SEEKS DOG BREEDER INPUT ON NEW RULES
Friday, January 29th, 2010 -- 11:36 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
 The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is preparing to implement new rules governing dog breeders.
The law has been a long time in the making, according to Department spokeswoman Donna Gilson.
"It brings dog breeders that sell at least 25 dogs a year under regulation. They'll need to be licensed and inspected," she explains. "It also includes people who sell dogs at retail, animal shelters and animal control facilities."
While the legislation includes some general guidelines, the department must develop more specific administrative rules. They’re seeking nominations for a 12-member advisory committee that will oversee that process.
"We're gathering people together that will come under this regulation to write standards of care," Gilson says. "The law says they have to have enough food, water and space. What is enough?"
The goal is to come up with less subjective rules.
While the department doesn’t use the term, backers of the legislation referred to some large-scale breeders as ‘puppy mills’. Gilson says there’s evidence Wisconsin had become a magnet for such operations, and there’s anecdotal evidence Clark County may lead the way.
To receive nomination materials, call 608-224-4872 or email DATCPanimals@wi.gov. Nominations will be accepted through February 10th.
The law will take effect June 1, 2011.
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